Altimmune’s pemvidutide cuts heavy drinking days in phase 2 AUD trial

Altimmune announced that its experimental dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist pemvidutide reduced heavy drinking in a phase‑2 study of alcohol use disorder.

In the 24‑week Reclaim trial, participants receiving pemvidutide experienced an average reduction of 4.2 heavy‑drinking days compared with their baseline, whereas the placebo group saw a 2.75‑day decline, meeting the primary endpoint with statistical significance.

The drug also lowered World Health Organization Risk Drinking Levels by two categories, increased abstinent days, and markedly decreased blood phosphatidylethanol levels, a biomarker of heavy alcohol consumption, while showing a generally favorable tolerability profile.

Following the announcement, Altimmune’s share price briefly rose before settling, reflecting investor interest in a potential new therapy for a disorder with limited treatment options.